Lockwood’s column underlines need for tools for lay evangelization

I always enjoy Robert Lockwood’s down-to-earth columns. In his most recent, he laments his inability to evangelize an acquaintance. It’s a problem most of us have, especially with members of our own families.

Even us thoughtful, seasoned Catholics who are well-educated in the Faith are ineffective, and the Church has a huge problem. The laity needs access to techniques and regular practice sessions to equip us to evangelize calmly and effectively in our everyday lives. So much light remains hidden and salt untasted.

‘Gimme’ prayers OK

Since when have “gimme” prayers become a negative thing? Why is it wrong to pray for a job, the necessities of life, an occasional luxury, etc.?

In a majority of cases, the “gimme” prayers focus on practical problems and needs of the person. This does not mean neglecting prayers of thanksgiving to the Most High, Our Lady and all the angels and saints, and for other persons and intentions.

Not welcome in the GOP

From where he lives, Patrick Christle may have been received into the Republican Party with open arms, but I personally face fierce anti-Catholic prejudice from members of my local GOP. And the remarks of Rush Limbaugh have only made my situation worse.

I can tell that Mr. Christle lives in an area where there are a large number of Catholics and thus are welcomed in conservative circles. In contrast, I live in a region where Catholics are a stigmatized minority. I can tell you firsthand that my conservative neighbors here exhibit every bit as much hatred toward me as the liberals do. I am a man without a party.

— Christopher Jerrald, Athens, Ohio

We’re not Protestants

Les Johnson has described an all-inclusive Church that accepts everything and believes nothing. There is a Church that follows what is suggested, it is called the Protestant Episcopal Church, it has not proved well for them.

Church embraces gays

The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes it clear that the Church hates the sin but not the sinner. According to No. 2357, homosexual acts are disordered and homosexual acts are sinful.

In addition, No. 2358 states:

“The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.”

The Catholic Church does not condemn them to hell. In fact, the Catholic Church has not even condemned the soul of Judas to hell. Her teaching will tell us when we are “endangering” our souls in eternity.

Many Catholics have accepted the media version of what the Catholic Church teaches.

As you learn more about our Church you will know that the safest and best place for sinners is here in her arms.

— Hazel Kliner, Warroad, Minn.

Darkness necessary

This certainly sounds like our country — most of our world today. The light, as St. John wrote, shines in the darkness. However, if we cannot see and recognize the darkness — the sad and desperate state of a fallen humanity and a wounded creation — we will not see the light.

— Liz McDavid, Via online comments

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